Its fastnesses have always been inhabited by wild tribes, jealous of their freedom; and these tribes may have caused annoyance, but they could at no time have been a serious danger to the Empire.

They were weak in numbers, divided in nationality and in interests, and quite incapable of conducting any distant expedition.
Like their modern successors, the Circassians, Abassians, and Lesghians, their one and only desire was to maintain themselves in possession of their beloved mountains; and this desire would cause them to resist all attempts that might be made to traverse their country, whether proceeding from the north or from the south, from the inhabitants of Europe or from those of Asia.

Persia was thus strongly protected in this quarter; but still she could not feel herself altogether safe.

Once at least within historic memory the barrier of the Caucasus had proved to be surmountable.

From the vast Steppe which stretches northwards from its base, in part salt, in part grassy, had crossed into Asia--through its passes or round its eastern flank--a countless host, which had swept all before it, and brought ruin upon flourishing empires.